I was proud to represent Sierra Club's 2.1 million members and supporters in calling for the president to take on climate change and to match his words with action -- starting with the rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline. I was inspired to be in the company of ranchers and farmers, civil rights and social justice leaders, poets and actors, scientists and businesspeople, and union and faith leaders.

A global crisis is unfolding before our eyes. To stand aside and let it happen -- even though we know how to stop it -- would be unconscionable. That is why I was willing to be arrested. It was clear to me that each of the 48 arrestees held the same conviction.

I am hopeful that President Obama is willing to tackle climate change. I am looking for the president to step up and LEAD -- to reject the Keystone XL pipeline and take us into the future by doubling down on clean energy, not backward to dirty fossil fuels; to stop the rush of oil and gas exports; to protect our lands, water, and wildlife from the impacts of fossil fuel development. I am prepared to push him to make hard decisions and use every resource at his disposal. I am ready to support bold leadership on climate.

I am humbled by the many expressions of appreciation that I have received for getting arrested for civil disobedience, but it's you that I want to thank. Thank you for giving me the courage to take action, for being my inspiration to step it up, and for the honor to serve. Thank you most of all for the commitment and tenacity you bring as we take this challenge to the president and all our elected officials.

See more photos of the civil disobedience in this gallery. And here's a great video of the event from photographer Jay Mallin.

User comments or postings reflect the opinions of the responsible contributor only, and do not reflect the viewpoint of the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of any posting. The Sierra Club accepts no obligation to review every posting, but reserves the right (but not the obligation) to delete postings that may be considered offensive, illegal or inappropriate.